WASHINGTON — David Ortiz rushed out of the Red Sox clubhouse following Wednesday's victory without talking about his accomplishments.

When he hit his seventh homer of the season, a three-run shot in the fourth inning, Ortiz collected his 1,000th career RBI.

"It was good. It was one of those things that you do through your career. It was great," he said Thursday afternoon as he prepared to hit cleanup for Boston in the series finale against the Nationals. "I'm feeling good. I've been hitting some good ones lately. When you're not hitting, and that's what I do, it's not fun. I'm having fun now."

For all his earlier struggles, he's been hitting the ball well. Ortiz entered Thursday's game hitting .357 with 6 homers and 12 RBI since June 6. Prior to his recent streak he had complained of dry eyes, so the medical staff suggested he see a doctor and drops were prescribed.

Ortiz said it has worked well because his eyes haven't been drying out, especially when he's at the plate.

"I feel good," he said. "Having the eye thing, I didn't even know I had it. I didn't pay any attention to it because it's not something I've had before. Since I've used it I've felt better and I'm not blinking at all. I feel good and it helps."

Because of interleague play, and the fact the Sox are playing in a National League park, manager Terry Francona has had to tweak his lineup without a designated hitter. Kevin Youkilis did not start Thursday night as Ortiz played the field and hit in the cleanup spot.

Due to Ortiz' confidence at the plate, it was an easier decision for Francona to pencil the slugger into the No. 4 spot.

"It's good. I'm thrilled," said Francona. "The other thing is, how many guys have you seen who doe what David does and is willing to hit where you ask him to. I appreciate that. It makes it easier on us."

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The rosters for the 11th annual All-Star Futures Game were announced on Thursday and two members of the Red Sox organization will participate.

Right-handed pitcher Casey Kelly will play for the U.S., while fellow righty Junichi Tazawa will represent the World Team.

Kelly, the Sox' top draft pick in 2008, has a combined 7-3 record with a 1.64 ERA between Single-A Salem and Single-A Greenville. He's registered 63 strikeouts in 77 innings pitched.

Tazawa is 7-4 with a 2.92 ERA with 71 strikeouts in 77 innings pitched for Double-A Portland.

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Red Sox rehabbing shortstop Jed Lowrie did not play for the PawSox Thursday afternoon in Norfolk due to a stiff knee he suffered when he was hit by a pitch on Tuesday.

According to Francona, Lowrie did not participate in any baseball activities on Thursday and only received treatment. He won't play on Friday, either.

The Sox are hoping he'll be able to continue his rehab and return to the lineup on Saturday for Pawtucket.

jmcdonal@projo.com